West Central Reporter

Western Illinois University Softball has announced the addition of three new recruits to their 2025 signing class. The team welcomes Nat Pacyga, Maddy Huels, and Angie Ortiz, all position players who are expected to contribute both on and off the field.

Head Coach Alisa Goler expressed enthusiasm about the new signees, stating, "We are thrilled to announce our 2025 signees. Maddy, Angie, & Nat are going to be a fantastic addition to our program both on and off the field. We adore their character and their families. We are extremely proud of how they have performed in the classroom to date. And we absolutely love what they'll bring to the softball field - they'll push us in several positions. We expect great things from this group."

Nat Pacyga is an infielder/outfielder from Lemont, Illinois. A student at Lemont High School, she has played travel ball for the New Lenox Lightning and has achieved significant success with her high school team, winning two IHSA state championships. She was also recognized as an all-conference player twice and named second-team all-state once.

Pacyga shared that her mother has been her biggest influence in her sports career: "She has been my biggest cheerleader." On choosing Western Illinois, she noted its unique combination of academic programs and NCAA Division One softball opportunities.

Maddy Huels hails from Carlyle, Illinois, where she attends Mater Dei Catholic High School. Her performance earned her defensive player of the year honors as a sophomore and offensive player of the year recognition in her junior year. Huels highlighted the coaching staff's influence on her decision to join Western Illinois: "I love the coaches so much and love the atmosphere that comes with the team."

Angie Ortiz completes the trio of recruits joining Western Illinois from Chino, California. A middle infielder/utility player at Chino High School, Ortiz has received first-team and second-team all-league honors during her career.

Ortiz described hitting her first over-the-fence home run as a memorable moment in her career: "I loved the campus, the coaches, [and] the academic support," she said when discussing why she chose Western Illinois.

For more information on Leatherneck Softball and updates on these new recruits' progressions within their collegiate careers, visit GoLeathernecks.com or follow them on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook.